Best iPhone 2022: Which is the best iPhone in 2022?
1. iPhone 14 Pro – Best new iPhone
There are two new features that are exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro (and Max) that actually change the way you use your iPhone for the better: the always-on display and Dynamic Island. Implementation of the always-on display is excellent and Dynamic Island is a revelation.
To create the Dynamic Island Apple shrunk the notch that holds all the Face ID sensors and front-facing camera and moved it down into a little pill-shaped cutout that can change to display useful information like timers, sports scores and even the details of the currently playing music track. It’s a hit.
Thanks to the always-on mode the time and date, lock screen widgets and notifications remain visible when your phone isn’t in use. Apple dims the screen significantly, but there is a small impact on battery life. If you place your iPhone screen down on a table, or leave the room while wearing a connected Apple Watch, the screen will turn off.
There are other improvements to the screen tech. The most significant: the iPhone 14 Pro can crank up to 2,000 nits in bright sunlight so you can see the screen on a sunny day.
The iPhone 14 Pro (and Max) have the best cameras ever seen on an iPhone. There is a new 48MP main wide-angle camera, a much bigger sensor and an f/1.78 aperture. These combine with the new Photonic Engine to create better low light photos. You can take 48MP shots if you shoot in ProRAW – which will mean each photo will take up to 80MB of space. Instead of taking 48MP shots the iPhone 14 Pro (and Max) are able to use the extra detail captured by the 48MP shot to create a better 12MP photo. For example, you can zoom in further without losing the detail. Speaking of zooming, there are also improvements to macro photography (which can now also be used for video). Macro photography is unique to the Pro iPhones.
The front camera also gets an update that includes a wider f/1.9 aperture (up from f/2.2) and autofocus (the same update is available on the iPhone 14). Video recording also get improvements including support for 4K at 30fps in Cinematic Mode and the new Action Mode that stabilises video is recorded on the move (also on iPhone 14).
The iPhone 14 Pro (and Max) get a A16 Bionic chip, which is a newer generation of chip than the A15 Bionic inside the iPhone 14. However, our tests suggested that it’s not a huge leap up from the A15. In our somewhat extreme battery tests the 14 Pro lasted an impressive 9 hours and 44 minutes, which was about half an hour longer than the iPhone 13 Pro. Apple claims 23 hours battery life for the iPhone 13 Pro based on its own tests.
The iPhone 14 Pro, like the whole iPhone 14-series can detect if you are in a car crash. There is also a satellite SOS feature, so your iPhone can contact the emergency services if there is no cellular service. That’s only available in the U.S. and Canada right now. In the U.S. the iPhone 14 series has no SIM tray, meaning that you’ll need an eSIM.
There is one other feature that is unique to the 14 Pro and Max: they feature dual-band precision GPS, which should mean they are better at locating you in areas with tall buildings and tall trees. Never get lost again!
The always-on display and especially the Dynamic Island will transform how you use the iPhone. The 2022 update represents a significant improvement on the iPhones that have come before.
The Best Used iPhones to Buy in 2022
Note: This was written before the release of the new iPhone SE 2020. The original iPhone SE that we feature in this section will be far cheaper, but consider getting the SE 2020 if you want a phone that will last you longer and feel a little more modern.
We all know that person who is always on the move, has a full schedule, and just generally needs a phone that is compact and functional. For this kind of archetype, we think one of the best used iPhones is the classic iPhone SE. Its biggest pros? You can type one-handed. You have a headphone jack. It’s virtually indestructible. It looks dope. Cons? It’s not the fastest iPhone anymore due to its age. There are iPhones with bigger batteries. And you might want a bigger screen if you watch a lot of videos.
Since this is a classic iPhone, it still has the home button as opposed to the new gesture-based navigation of newer iPhones. If you want to multi-task and switch between multiple applications, just press the home button twice in quick succession and you'll see all your recently used apps pop up. Also, if you do decide to get one of these, stay away from the 16GB model. For today's standards, this is a very small amount of storage. We would suggest going for a 64GB model if you plan to hold on to the phone for at least a year.
And, believe it or not, just because this isn't the newest Apple iPhone doesn't mean that it's skimpy in terms of accessing data from cell networks. Just like the newest iPhones, this iPhone has LTE antennas which mean you can watch videos or play games wherever and whenever. And yes, there are versions of this phone that work on both GSM and CDMA networks. And if you plan on traveling or swapping SIM cards often, consider buying an unlocked model.
Pros:
Classic design (any vintage fans out there?)
Amazing ergonomics
Headphone jack (who doesn't love old-school wired headphones?)
Cons:
Small screen
Aging internals (this iPhone is from 2016)
Which iPhone should you buy in 2022?
Apple is selling eight iPhones in its lineup, but which one should you buy, and which iPhone is best for you in 2022?
Apple has unveiled this year’s latest iPhone series, the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max devices. The standard devices pack the slightly improved Apple A15 Bionic chipset, while the Pro models sport the new Apple A16 Bionic chipset. The Pro models also finally do away with the notch, and instead, Apple introduced a new hole-punch cutout, marketed as Dynamic Island, with unique software-based features around it.
During the Apple Far Out September event, Apple also unveiled the brand new Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Ultra, and the new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) wireless earbuds.
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Best flagship: iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is undoubtedly the highest-end flagship device in Apple’s lineup in 2022. The new flagship packs a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display that can change the refresh rate from 1-120Hz, and has up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness. The iPhone 14 Pro series are the first iPhones to finally come equipped with the Always-on Display functionality, one of the most anticipated features.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by an Apple A16 Bionic chipset, made on the 4nm process. The chip has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of base storage, which can be customized with up to 1TB of storage. The camera on the back has gotten even better, and there are some notable improvements to enhance the quality even further.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max packs a 48MP f/1.8 primary sensor with sensory-shift OIS. There’s also a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide sensor with dual pixel PDAF, and there’s also a 12MP f/2.8 telephoto sensor with PDAF, and OIS, capable of 3x optical zoom. The selfie camera has also been improved, and it houses a 12MP f/1.9 sensor with autofocus for the first time. The new sensors can capture more light in dimly lit environments, and have improved algorithms to reduce noise and improve the sharpness and details.
If money isn’t a concern for you, and you want the latest and the greatest device, then the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the one we recommend. It has the biggest battery out of all iPhones, and the latest chip should result in a full day’s worth of battery life, although it will depend on your usage. It's also worth noting that the device still only supports 20W fast wired charging, which isn’t as fast as some of the competition's 65W and 100W+ charging solutions, but Apple promises it will go from 0-50% in 30 minutes.
iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro is the latest large-screen premium smartphone from the brand. It features a new pill-shaped 'Dynamic Island' notch, 48MP primary camera sensors, an A16 Bionic chipset, and much more. Check out all the deals on the device using the links given below. View at Apple View at Best Buy
Runner-up: iPhone 13 Pro Max
If you’re okay with last year’s flagship, then you’re in luck. You can still find the iPhone 13 Pro Max at selected retailers, but you should probably hurry, since most companies are trying to get rid of their stock as Apple discontinued this model to boost sales for the new model.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is still an excellent device in 2022, and while it lacks the Always-on Display feature, new cameras, and still packs the notch on the screen, it’s still a powerful device with one of the best camera setups on the back. Size-wise, it’s the same size as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and it has a 6.7-inch 120Hz display. The phone is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, coupled with 6GB of RAM – making it ideal for watching movies, playing games, and multitasking.
The 13 Pro Max also has three sensors on the back, a 12MP primary, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. It’s one of the best camera phones this year, and it can take breathtaking photos and videos in all lighting conditions. The selfie camera is also a 12MP unit, and while it lacks autofocus, it’s still adequate for taking videos and selfies on the go.
The phone has a 4,352 mAh battery, which is one of the largest in an iPhone, and it supports 20W fast wired charging. Like most other iPhones, Apple claims it can go from 0-50% in just 30 minutes, and the phone still supports MagSafe and Qi wireless chargers.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max If you're looking for an even bigger display than the standard iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, the 13 Pro Max has everything you're looking for, and it can even last longer thanks to the larger battery. View at Amazon View at Best Buy
Best for power users: iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro is the latest flagship in Apple’s lineup. The new Pro features the Dynamic Island cutout for the selfie camera and Face ID sensors. It’s powered by the latest A16 Bionic chipset, and it has the same Always-on Display feature and camera setup on the back as the larger, Pro Max model.
We can easily recommend the iPhone 14 Pro for those who can benefit from the additional camera sensor on the back, and those who can take advantage of the slightly additional power under the hood of the 14 Pro. If you don’t usually take a lot of photos and don’t play a lot of games, it may be worth taking a look at the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, or even the iPhone 12, depending on the features that are important to you.
The only difference between these two devices is the dimensions, the display, and the battery size. The 14 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch screen, and early reports suggest that it might have a 3,200 mAh battery, compared to the 4,323 mAh that can be found in the 14 Pro Max. Both devices support 20W fast charging, MagSafe, and Qi wireless charging.
iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro is the latest premium smartphone from the brand. It features a new pill-shaped 'Dynamic Island' notch, 48MP primary camera sensors, an A16 Bionic chipset, and much more. Check out all the deals on the device using the links given below. View at Apple View at Best Buy
Runner-up: iPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 Pro is last year’s flagship device, and it’s powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of base storage. It has a beautiful, bright, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR 10 and Dolby Vision. It’s ideal for watching movies, watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games.
The device also has a 12MP primary, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. The camera performs excellently in all lighting conditions, and it’s one of our favourite devices for portrait photos and nighttime shots out in the wild. The selfies are also excellent, although if you want sharper and slightly better images, the iPhone 14 Pro’s selfie camera now finally comes with autofocus – yielding sharper and more detailed shots.
The iPhone 13 Pro has a 3,095 mAh battery, which we found can last for a full day or two, depending on usage, and it also supports Apple’s 20W fast charging solution that promises a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. As you can expect, the device supports MagSafe accessories and charging, and there’s also 7.5W Qi wireless charging compatibility.
If you’d like to save some money and the new punch-hole cutout isn’t something you want to pay up for, then the iPhone 13 Pro is still an excellent flagship device in 2022, and you won’t be disappointed.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro If you're looking for a device that ticks all the boxes and has an excellent battery life, high-refresh-rate display, and it can capture breathtaking photos, this is the best iPhone that money can buy. View at Amazon View at Best Buy
Best large iPhone: iPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 Plus is the larger version of the standard iPhone 14 model. It comes with the same Apple A15 Bionic chipset with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, and 6GB of RAM. The device sports a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, and it features the same notch cutout that houses the Face ID sensor and 12MP selfie camera with autofocus.
On the back, there are two sensors, a 12MP primary and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. The sensors have been improved, compared to the iPhone 13 generation, and they can capture better low-light photos and video, and display more details and less noise. As you would expect, the phone is still IP68 certified, meaning that it can withstand water and dust, although we would still recommend you not taking it down to the beach to protect it from any accidental damage.
Early reports claim that the iPhone 14 Plus might pack a 4,323 mAh battery inside, which is one of the largest in any iPhone to this date. Apple says that it can easily last for a full day on a single charge and also supports 20W fast wired charging, which can top up the device from 0-50% in just 30 minutes. The magnets on the back support MagSafe charging and other accessories, and it still supports Qi-certified wireless chargers at up to 7.5W.
If you’re looking for a slightly larger phone than the iPhone 14, but don’t want to spend the extra few hundred bucks for the Pro Max model, then the iPhone 14 Plus is an ideal match. It has the same functionalities as the vanilla iPhone 14, but it packs a larger display and a beefier battery.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Plus enters as the device to pick over iPhone 14 if you want the same high-tier performance and great cameras, with the added advantage of a screen that will help you see more at once and longer battery life. View at Apple
Best for most people: iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 is the latest device in Apple’s latest, 2022 lineup of smartphones. It’s powered by the slightly higher-clocked Apple A15 Bionic chipset, and it has a new camera setup on the back to take low-light images one step further. The differences between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 are relatively marginal this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an easy recommendation.
We also have an excellent guide explaining the differences between the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 14 packs the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display as the iPhone 13, and it still has the same 1,200 nit peak brightness – making it excellent to use in broad daylight. The phone has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of base storage, and it has a 12MP f/1.5 primary camera, and a 12MP f/2.4 ultrawide. While we’re still waiting to get our hands on the new units, it’s clear that the new sensors will be able to provide better results in all lighting conditions, and we can’t wait to take them out on a spin.
It’s also worth mentioning that the selfie camera is a 12MP f/1.9 sensor with autofocus, for the first time. If you love vlogging, or taking videos and lots of photos, this is the best iPhone to this date.
The battery should have received some minor improvements, although it’s rumored to pack a near identical cell inside. The device also supports 20W fast wired charging, and Apple says it can go from 0-50% in 30 minutes, and it still has support for MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
Apple iPhone 14 iPhone 14 joins the market as the smartphone to pick if you want a high-tier of performance, great cameras, and battery life that will last you through a day of use with ease. View at Apple
Runner-up: iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 is one of the best smartphones you can buy today, in 2022. Last year’s flagship is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chip with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of base storage. If you’re a power user, and love taking photos, this is an affordable smartphone that will excel at all those things.
It has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that makes movies and video pop on the screen. It’s large enough to enjoy movies and playing games and compact enough to fit easily in your hands and pockets. The device also has a dual camera setup on the back, consisting of a 12MP primary and a 12MP ultrawide camera. It has all the features you need, and it takes breathtaking photos in all environments, even in pitch black.
The battery can comfortably last a day or two on a single charge, depending on the usage, and it even supports 20W fast wired charging that can top up the device from 0-50% in just 30 minutes. If you don’t need the latest and the greatest and want to save some money, we’d recommend this over the iPhone 14.
Apple iPhone 13 The iPhone 13 is the default smartphone from Apple for 2021. If you're looking for an experience that remains fast and fluid over years to come and not lacking on any hardware front, this is the device to get. View at Amazon View at Best Buy
Runner-up: iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 might be a two-year-old smartphone at this point and time, but it’s still an excellent value for money. Apple is still selling the original iPhone 12 with 64GB of storage for $599, and will gladly sell you a 128GB model for $649. Depending on your needs and requirements, it might be a great option to pick this model over the iPhone 13; however, if you have $50 more, you could pick up the iPhone 13 for $699. Apple is all about upselling, and it’s the marketing champion to convince people to spend more.
As for specs, the iPhone 12 packs a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the same panel the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 use today. It’s powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4GB of RAM, which is still plenty for this device to comfortably use multiple apps simultaneously and for playing games.
The camera features a 12MP primary and a 12MP ultrawide snapper on the back, making it ideal for taking photos in all lighting conditions. And, while the battery is smaller than what can be found in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models, it can still last you for a full day on a single charge, and some might even be able to get more out of it.
iPhone 12 iPhone 12 is the iPhone to consider if you want to have a 5G-compatible device without wanting to spend a lot. If you prefer buying devices unlocked, it being a last-generation model can also lead to better discounts. View at Apple
Best Compact: iPhone 13 mini
It appears that analysts got the number right, and Apple didn’t sell enough iPhone 13 mini devices to justify developing another one in 2022. Because of this, Apple replaced the mini with the re-introduced Plus model, which will likely sell more units due to the larger display and battery size.
If you’re on the market for a compact device with decent all-day battery life, your only option is the iPhone 13 mini, which remains available on Apple’s website, carriers, and retailers. The iPhone 13 mini has a fairly large 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1,200 nits of peak brightness. The phone has 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of base storage. It’s powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, which is also behind the new iPhone 14 and 14 Plus devices, albeit, they’re slightly tweaked to make them more efficient for graphics-intensive tasks. It’s the same chip for the most part, and users are unlikely to notice a difference in day-to-day use.
As for the cameras, the iPhone 13 mini packs a 12MP f/1.6 primary sensor, and a 12MP f/2.4 ultrawide camera. They’re excellent in all lighting conditions, and it’s one of the best compact smartphones. The iPhone 13 mini starts at $599 for the 128GB model, and it’s available in various color options, such as Pink, Blue, Black, White, Green, and (Product) RED.
Apple iPhone 13 Mini The iPhone 13 mini is a smaller version of the standard iPhone 13. It comes with the same powerful chipset, excellent dual camera on the back, and it has a much improved battery life over the iPhone 12 mini. View at Amazon View at Best Buy
Best budget iPhone: iPhone SE (2022) 3rd Generation
The iPhone SE 5G (3rd generation) was announced in March, 2022. The device features the same old design as its predecessor, dated all the way back to the original iPhone 6 series and the iPhone 8 series of devices. The phone has large front bezels, and a single camera on the back.
The phone sports a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display, and it’s powered by an Apple A15 Bionic chipset with 4GB of RAM. It has 64/128/256GB storage options, runs the latest version of iOS, and is expected to receive anywhere between 4-6 years of continuous software updates. As for the camera, there’s a single 12MP f/1.8 snapper on the back, which is excellent in great lighting conditions; however, it lacks night mode. If you’re looking for a great all-rounder and are fine with some sacrifices, this will serve you well.
If you’re on a budget and want to experience iPhone for the first time, or perhaps you just want a cheap device that enables you to get things done, the iPhone SE is a perfect smartphone. The iPhone SE 3 can be yours for $429 at selected retailers and carriers. It’s worth noting that while the price has remained the same in the US, it has gone up everywhere else around the world.
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